title: Emotional outlook on life predicts increases in physical activity among initially inactive men.
abstract: This study examined the relationship between emotional outlook on life and change in physical activity among inactive adults in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. A total of 2,132 sedentary adults completed a baseline medical examination and returned for a follow-up examination at least 6 months later. Participants self-reported physical activity level and emotional outlook on life. Emotional outlook on life was significantly and positively related to physical activity participation at the follow-up visit in men but not women. Men who were usually very happy and optimistic at baseline had significantly greater increases in physical activity compared to men who were not happy. Men with a more positive outlook on life (e.g., happier) may be more likely to increase physical activity levels. Physical activity interventions targeting men may be more successful if they first increase happiness.
authors.affiliation: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. stritesk@mailbox.sc.edu
authors.forename: Meghan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baruth
authors.forename: Duck-Chul
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Xuemei
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Sui
authors.forename: Timothy S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Church
authors.forename: Bess H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Marcus
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilcox
authors.forename: Steven N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Blair
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D057566:Self Report; D055815:Young Adult